Guests say
Highfold is a well-loved cottage in Ambleside, praised for its homely feel, cleanliness, and excellent location. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings, and thoughtful touches. While some mention minor maintenance issues, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many looking forward to return visits.
Guests consistently report that Highfold is immaculately clean, with several reviews highlighting the spotless condition upon arrival. The attention to cleanliness contributes significantly to the property's welcoming atmosphere.
The cottage's location is frequently commended for its proximity to both Ambleside town and scenic walks. It offers a peaceful setting with the convenience of nearby attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring.
Comfort is well-regarded, with guests finding the living spaces cosy and the bedrooms restful. However, some guests mention issues with creaky floorboards and a small en-suite shower, slightly impacting the overall comfort score.
Highfold boasts well-equipped facilities, especially in the kitchen, and some guests appreciate the inclusion of a woodburner. Maintenance issues like squeaky floorboards and stiff doors have been noted, but the floorboards seem to have been addressed in later reviews.
While guests mention welcome packs and Christmas decorations, there is not enough consistent detail across the reviews to accurately score thoughtfulness. It should be noted that such gestures, while appreciated, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Positioned in the Waterhead district of Ambleside, close to Lake Windermere, rests this quaint cottage amid a cluster of character properties known to some of the most historic in Ambleside. Inside, the property has been thoughtfully brought up to date whilst retaining its traditional charm, ideal for families eager to escape to the heart of the countryside. Head up a flight of stairs and pass through double doors to reach the open-plan living area, with exposed beams, two sofas, a Smart TV and a woodburning stove which all combine to create a warming ambiance. The whole space has a light and spacious feel with windows to three sides and pitched ceiling supported by cruck beams.
The kitchen has all the necessary appliances to keep your party well fed but retains the country living charm prevalent through the cottage. Move to the lower floor to discover two bedrooms, including the king-size master bedroom which benefits from a contemporary en-suite shower room so you can prepare for the day in privacy, whilst the wonderfully decorated twin is adjacent to the family bathroom. Continuing to impress, outside awaits a walled garden with raised patio which provides a real suntrap on warmer days, perfect for some alfresco dining or a zesty gin and tonic after a day of walking. There are walks from the door to Jenkins Crag and beyond over to Troutbeck – a favourite with many Lakeland visitors.
With the lake a gentle five minutes stroll away you can enjoy lake cruises in all seasons or simply sit in the park by the water and admire the views. Head into Ambleside to find a good selection of local shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés as well as the ever popular Zeffirellis and Fellinis cinemas hosting the best films and periodic live streaming of opera and ballet. In search of energetic activities, drive north to Ullswater to take in a choice of sailing and canoeing, or head south to Grizedale Forest, home to cycling and mountain biking trails, orienteering and the Go Ape Zip Trekking Adventure.
A real home away from home, consider Highfold for your next Lake District getaway.
Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.
Accommodation
Reverse level accommodation.
Two bedrooms: 1 x lower floor king size bedroom with en-suite walk in shower, basin and WC.
1 x lower floor twin bedroom.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Upper floor open-plan living area with kitchen, dining and sitting area with wood burning stove
Gas central heating with wood burning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher.
Smart TV with Bluetooth speaker & WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
Off road parking for one car.
Garden with raised patio.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Town centre 0.3 miles, Lake 0.5 miles.
Nearby points of interest
- Lake Windermere
- Wastwater Lake
- Wastwater Alpaca Trekking
Reviews (61)
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Cliff
Perfect location. Ideal for a romantic getaway, particularly away from the big tourist months. Gorgeous easy walking from the cottage.
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Andrew
Brilliantly located and didnât use the car half as much as weâd expected, with some lovely walks straight from the door. Cottage was bigger than weâd expected and had everything we needed - the only tiny gripe was the water pressure on the en-suite shower. Would definitely stay again.
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Chris
For all these holidays we have thoroughly enjoyed the position, comfort & excellent facilities that the property provides. On this occasion we extended our stay from the original 7 nights booked, to 10 nights, due to availability over the following weekend. Didnât want to go homeâ¦.. Chris & Suzanne